A streak of white light shot straight toward Xuanming's chest. He flicked it away with a finger, sending it flying a hundred li before it abruptly charged back.
This time, it did not rush toward Xuanming, but toward the Carp Dragon, wrapping around it like an octopus and refusing to let go.
The Carp Dragon startled and struggled with all its might, but could not break free. Xuanming glanced over and saw that the fish looked peculiar: it resembled a carp, with a fish's body and a bird's wings, blue markings, a white head, and a red beak.
"So it's one of these."
Realization dawned on him.
The Record of Strange Beasts documented three hundred and sixty unusual spirit beasts. Hai Fengming had given it as a congratulatory gift at the Truth-Seeking Abbey's advancement ceremony, and the Wen Yao Fish was among the peculiar species recorded within. This wondrous beast had also appeared in the Classic of Mountains and Seas from his previous life:
The Wen Yao roamed the western sea, flying toward Wuzhou at dusk.
The vermilion turtle brought forth the Bright Moon, hidden deep beyond all seeking.
Ever had they undergone transformations; who could reckon their sinking and rising?
This fish frequented the western sea and swam in the eastern sea. It liked to fly at night, cried like a Luan bird or a chicken, and tasted sweet and sour. Eating it cured madness, and its appearance heralded bountiful harvests throughout the world.
Such fish were much sought after by the Confucian School and agriculturalists. Gentle by nature, they sought good fortune and avoided harm. Seeing one was auspicious, and the common people regarded them as omens of good fortune.
Before Xuanming could ponder further, sounds of rushing air rang out. Several streaks of light shot toward